I've been making little self-sustaining semi-sealed terrariums for a while now with insects and plants, just little ecosystems in a sealed container, only opening it every few months or so to trim some of the plants to keep it looking nice. I love creating and balancing ecosystems and making nice looking scenes with plants and hardscape and while I understand that it's not feasible to do an entirely self-sustaining aquarium, I've been really attracted to the idea of setting up a "low-tech" one. Ideally no filter and no CO2 injection. I live in an area where temperature probably isn't going to be a problem but I would add a heater to it just in case, and of course LED lights which my terrariums also need anyway. What is the goon consensus on these low-tech aquariums for someone new to the hobby? I was thinking of starting with a relatively small 22 litre/5.8 gallon tank to begin with, get a ton of plants and let them grow in and cycle the tank for a month or so before adding shrimp, snails and a betta. I've watched countless Youtube videos on the matter but it seems like it's a bit of a fad too so I wanted to check in with you guys to get a second opinion.
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# ¿ Feb 10, 2024 16:57 |
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# ¿ May 13, 2024 09:02 |
Is 5.8 gallons too small for a betta and a few cherry shrimp? I'll have plenty of plant cover and hiding spaces for the shrimp but I'm still worried the betta will go for them.
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# ¿ Feb 12, 2024 05:46 |
Thank you for the feedback. I found a tank that will fit that's 11.1G. If I want a betta and some cherry shrimp, is it going to be a problem that the tank is only ~10 inches/25cm high? I'm looking at a tank that's ~11 inches wide, ~23.6 inches long and ~10 inches high (28*60*25cm). I'm also open to replacing the betta with some other fish if there are any good contenders for an 11G tank. I'd prefer fish + shrimp to a shrimp-only tank. a7m2 fucked around with this message at 10:29 on Feb 12, 2024 |
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# ¿ Feb 12, 2024 10:18 |
I know someone with a tank that has cherry shrimp and a betta so it's possible (apparently it depends on the betta's temperament/personality. If it doesn't work, the betta can keep its tank to himself), but his tank is a bit bigger. As long as the betta won't suffer in a tank that size (it's not as high as most 10 gallon tanks) I'm content to try it.
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# ¿ Feb 12, 2024 13:22 |
Cowslips Warren posted:i kinda miss my urchins but i do not miss the male jacking off and releasing sperm clouds every water change. or them eating my sponge filters. That's hilarious (to read, I'm sure experiencing isn't quite as funny)
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# ¿ Mar 15, 2024 18:52 |